Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to help tackle crime in rural areas.

The Government recognises the importance of tackling rural crime and the devasting impact it can have on communities and the agricultural sector.

That’s why we’re bringing forward tougher measures to clamp down on anti-social behaviour, including in rural areas, strengthening neighbourhood policing, and taking action to prevent fly-tipping. I am also committed to implementing the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023 to help prevent the theft and re-sale of high-value equipment, particularly for use in an agricultural setting.

The Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee will deliver thousands of neighbourhood police, community support officers, and special constables, across England and Wales, including in rural areas, to speed up response times and build public confidence.